So I must exempt my opinions that follow from that type of crime which I've never myself experienced. Your safety needs will vary across the islands and largely depends on where you visit. The Bahamas is a male dominated culture so be ready to experience a myriad of overly loud, forward and aggressive men wherever you roam. Coronavirus (COVID-19) and travel: The situation around the world is changing dramatically. Guys stop being so gullible. 12 years ago Save The greater concern will be getting it on a US flight, and then getting it pass customs here in the Bahamas. In a vast world where the spectrum of danger and circumstances mandates some common sense and intuition, then you fall victim to your own ignorance sooner or later. False sense of security they give you is costly, and can be deadly. The phrase its just a game is such a weak mindset. We haven't been to Bahamas or Atlantis since 2009. Knives from a long time have been part of the country's culture it has been in the country in various sects . Nothing other than relevant info about crime : trouble spots/ spots free of crime= racey vs. Family islands; wholesome activities vs. Those which involve spending money on: gambling, liqour, and clubbing making the difference or objects of interest being made available / easy access: money, human female body, seems to be the running trend to the stories. Nothing scary about Nassau just don't be stupid and go places tourist don't belong. For our first stop we started walking to the Pirates of Nassau Museum right off of George Street close by as we were staying in the tourist area only for the walk. If you have little experience navigating other cultures in other cities in other places, and have a limited capacity to appreciate such things, you gonna have a problem. I would definitely go back. Can't speak for St. Thomas, but I improvised when I was in the Bahamas. Integrity is the fundamental quality of any person who Don't go to Nassau, especially with kids. Any help on this issue would be appreciated. We were all in shock so we went directly back to the ship. I walked off the ship and visited the straw market with the constant cat calls to my wife and young daughter. Knives only become the law's concern in Canada after being used to threaten, injure or kill someone. Other locals saw this happen and came to our aid by calling the Police. what's the murder rate in the state you live in? Nassua is terrible and exactly like most of the negative reviews. B. I had a really sad and frightening experience and the worst part about it is the cops DON'T care! They are just lucky they didn't experience something like terrible like we did. The Email address or Password is incorrect, World Nomads Contributor - Wed, 15 Jul 2020. read about lockdowns and border restrictions. I'm glad I didn't read this before going or I would have missed a fun experience. Go there. Liz, my fianc, his family, and I just went on a cruise that stopped there last week. As I passed him he grapped my arm very aggressively and started trying to kiss my neck and whisper in my ear all while he was dragging me into a ballroom. The other islands (such as Abacos, Andros, Eleuthera, Exumas locally called Family Islands or Out Islands) are generally safer than Nassau or New Providence, with little violent crime occurring. Spiking drinks with drugs is sometimes done to unsuspecting visitors. I was approached by a guy saying let me help you back to your room, I work here and would point at his badge. Anybody have any input? But no one understands. Do not trust anybody. Keep an eye out for pickpockets on jitneys, Never take unlicensed taxis and avoid taxis with broken meters. 1. http://confiduss.com/en/jurisdictions/bahamas/. When i was of everyone around me, even my spouse. Why don't you come over here with me to see what I have." Fortunately my amazing father after our family had to abandon the Bahamas later on established a second home for us on the island of Menorca which is the same size and shape as Nassau but with NO crime and a refined and civilised populace. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. To avoid prolonged encounters, I suggest confidently responding not interested to their advances and keep it moving. There is no place in the world where you're ever completely safe. Other safety tips include: The Bahamas is slowly becoming LGBTQ+-friendly. My experience in Nassau was well enjoyed. Citizens of the Bahamas and tourists can purchase liquor or consume it in public places as long as they are above 18 years of age. A VERY deep purple almost black four door car (we think Honda Accord or similar) with dark tinted windows pulled up behind us. An icon used to represent a menu that can be toggled by interacting with this icon. Locking folding knives, fixed blade knives and knives longer than 3inches/7.62cm are all illegal for carry in a public place without a . To see that local police do nothing is all it takes for me to write this place off. Drove West down West Bay St beside the ocean and stopped at a pull off spot to take pics because we saw other tourists doing the same. They jus wrote it off like I was drunk!!! Perhaps I need to visit wherever you guys are from to see how it compares. They have no respect for human life and will kill for a dollar. This most recent growth included a few home additions including the kids bathrooms (on suite) added on to the East end, the two original bathrooms were converted into one larger hall bath, the kitchen wall was blown out, entrying into a complete 22'x22' great . where is safe and not? Some how I was able to get out of his grip and ran as fast as I could to the lobby. Plus you have to stay in the tourist area. One of the men in the deep purple car got out walked passed me and then looked out at the ocean. He was 20 years old, 6'3" and a good looking Canadian man by any standards. They are trying to make a living. When we docked here for half a day, my wife and I walked the usual tourist route and bought some small souvenirs nothing expensive. Thanks and take care. Keep windows and doors locked, in case your toddler wanders out of your accommodation, Have a code word for family members to use in high-stress situations or when they feel unsafe. crime rate I've lived in the suburbs all my life you should be careful wherever you go EXAMPLES use caution whin going for walks take different routes go at different times that way you can avoid being followed always lock your door avoid. Me and 3 of my friends is going to Bahamas in a week or so. I visited Nov 2019 on a Royal Caribbean Cruise from Port Canaveral. We took a water taxi ($5 pp) to another close-by island, Harbour Island, and rented a golf cart to explore the island. Folks, save your money, and vote with your dollar, if the Bahamas can't fix their crime problems internally to make it safe for tourists who spend MILLIONS of dollars in their land every year, then they cannot be helped otherwise. The Bahamas is a picturesque archipelago of more than 700 islands and caysin the Caribbean and is where I spent some of my childhood, developing a quirky local accent that I couldnt shake. Hope you read my warning, Royal Caribbean wont be kind enough to warn you. You can't let a small amount of senseless individual soil the image of a whole island. Which is quite dumb when you look at it but they are very friendly to tourist they even have to have a three month class every 3 years from high school to retirement about how to care for tourist that comes to their island. Because something happen to ou in Nassau doesn't meant it a cure on the family islands, some family islands don't even have 10 persons on it and it is very quiet of course Nassau being the capital it will have plenty people and lots of crime. The man sexually assaulted her and dropped her off in a touristy area where she flagged a police officer to drive her to the hotel. We were in Nassau this week (two females). Put the knife in your luggage, no problem! Meanwhile, New Providence Island (where the nations capital Nassau is, for those who don't know) has a population of about 250,000. This islands are amazing. I'm sorry for the ones that truly experienced serious and violent crimes against them. My wife and daughter gave it up pretty quick as the knives were pressed against them and the thugs ran away leaving me alone. We reported the armed robbery to the Bahama police and Royal Caribbean. I doubt there is a law banning. I am going to make some people very angry (my fellow AA family and I do NOT care). Most black-governed places are sh*tholes, ridden with crimes, robberies, rape and so on. I think that the government of Bahamas should something with all this unemployment and crimes, no? I was hacked and I knew it. Always remember what happened to that Natalie girl in Aruba, to be aware is to be alive!! I got 1 more drink to take back with methat I didn't even drink out of. Point of the matter is, there is crime and bad people everywhere. As a black man myself, I would not give them a dollar as long as they normalize the crime out there and do nothing about it. However it must not have been as bad in the sixties because as well as being looked after by our Bahamian maid I spent a lot of time hanging out with the local Haitian gardener who was obviously living a normal life. Currently her mother is breaking her back trying to get enough money saved to move herself and her daughter out of the Bahamas completely and come to where my family lives, she doesnt understand why anyone would ever go there willingly. When he ran OFF the property I knew he DIDNT work there! Tennessee law section 39-17-1309 forbids the possession and carry of weapons, including knives, on school property. Centrifugal Knife or Butterfly Knife. SO JUST STOP IT! Whether you are driving, taking taxis, or the local bus (affectionately called jitneys) you should plan ahead, Jitneys are everywhere, but its a casual service with no real timetable, so you may find yourself waiting odd time-intervals for a bus. Im scared after reading the comments. I was 14. I come down every other year. Nothing would work! All the other tourists that stopped at the same location left, and we decided to leave also. Please note that not all content is translated or available to residents of all countries. Make sure you get travel insurance, in case of injury or accident during your activities on the islands. The law for nicotine is also the same in the Bahamas. Its no different than at home in Canada where we are the 5th most dangerous city in the country plagued by drug crimes. I would be careful on where you go and who you ride with. My boys always like to see how their bargaining skills are so they try to get some items cheaper than they have marked. When you turn right and head to the straw market it is pretty much safe other than the harassment from people asking you to buy things or trying to con you into a tour or some other scam. We just left our Nassau Port stop and are heading to CocoCay right now. I wouldn't recommend staying on Paradise Island if you like to swim on the beach. It is not worth getting hurt. We stayed 99% on Bay street. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-29090104', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Nassau and, Harbour Island. Never put money in a back pack. My family and I have visited the steps made by skaves and Oh Andros as well as McKensies is my favorite places to eat. The locals are very friendly; more so than Mexico. Thanks - Alan Esav Benyamin MidniteSuperMod Joined Apr 6, 2000 Messages 90,915 Aug 28, 2004 #2 To carry around down there, I would suggest nothing more ferocious than a SAK or an Opinel. The people were always friendly and gave us great advice on where to go and how to get there. There are bad people in every country. Dwell is a platform for anyone to write about design and architecture. My recommendation is to just stay in the main tourist areas as we didn't encounter anything bad while in that area. And if thats going to stop you from experiencing life, then you might as well stay home. People would see the beauty in places others call ugly. So overall my recommendation is to go no further than one block north and use Bay Street as the red line to not cross. Unsurprisingly, it's illegal to bring a gun or ammunition into the country, or have one in your possession without permission. Cat calls, suggestive comments to my wife by a guy running a store when I was around the corner, aggressive people at the straw market in your face finally had to tell them to F off. So where would that be? I turned right back around after walking about a block away from that area. Human trafficking, sex trafficking and using children as drug mules. I had to choose between the two nationalities when I became 18 because they don't allow dual nationality and since independence in 1973 they don't give nationality even if you are born there because then they would have to give it to Haitians. I promise you there is more to the Bahamas then they've said. We did encounter a pushy tour guide one time out of all our trips but I have run across worse here in the US.especially up north. My wife and I have been to Nassau several times on cruise ships. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. My husband began checking the unit out to see if it was a minor fixable problem. Puerto Rico is a bit more expensive, but the security is a bit more consistent. Nassau is where 70% of locals live, and the best place to learn the customs and history of the country. Its always about dollars, not safety. . and it was just too dangerous to walk the street. You won't get it in Nassau. If you are polite, yet firm, you should have nothing to worry about. Go left and it's closed up shops and hoodlums. But the talk of rude and pushy locals needs to tone down. Youre most likely to encounter bad traffic in the capital city of Nassau, located on New Providence Island. I never had any troubles visiting there. How does this compare to the self defense situation in Canada. Even in the USA, most black cities and counties are very dangerous and even black men and women with knowledge of real facts tend to get out of such places as soon as possible. Indecent or obscene prints, paintings, photographs, books, cards, lithographic or other engravings, or any other indecent or obscene article. Am here in Nassau and am leaving in 2 days and I can't wait to I leave I've been to over 30+ countries in my life so far, far east of Asia, Europe, middle east, and so many other regions and I've never EVER experienced a black-run nation that was "good" or "safe". They finally called my fianc to come and get me, but by this time I don't even remember him coming. Which I just read has been issued a travel advisory. The safest place I went to was St. Johns (very small Island, very friendly people and most importantly it is part of the USA so we know who runs it). The locals do drop their prices on some items. Otherwise, having been to Nassau with my wife, stayed in a highly economical hotel and wandered the streets everywhere, made our way to the neighboring beaches by public bus (in 2010), and indulged in random foods and interactions in random places within Nassau, I have to say I don't know what you guys are talking about when you get into the paranoid rants above. Gravity knife. We never heard from the hotel or Bahamian police again. Dont keep your valuables all in one place. I've spoken to some locals and had some pretty good conversations. As we left and headed back to the boat we were approached by some men trying to sell us Ganja and some pills. The drivers are a little chaotic too. Pay attention to your drink. The people there do not realize tourism is their lifeJust stupid. (The kids do it in NY City with the vendors trying to see who can get a hot dog for $1 when they ask for $4. Make a positive impact on the planet. . In California, it is legal to carry a pocket knife with a blade length of less than 2.5 inches in most areas. It was a 2 day stay and we stayed at the Hilton Resort Hotel. So I wouldn't listen to the reviews saying everything is great and safe in Nassau. Anybody who thinks this place is nice is nuts. Firstly, before we get into the various types of knives, we must ensure that everyone is knowledgeable about the laws of carrying knife. Click here to read more at The Tribune Sponsored Ads I believe the Scary Stories over the Happy Face PC stories. The landscape was beautiful. I lived just up from the Casino on West Bay. Very very bad and rude people. The Bahamas averages 83F (28C) daily. One of my coworkers, Cameron, was taken hostage and held for a day in a random house where he was ultimately stabbed and left for dead. We didn't wait to ask. If your idea of a cultural experience is having poor women ask you to braid your hair, listening to second rate steel drum bands desperately try to play reggae like Jamaicans, walk through a tiny straw market where at least one in twenty of my crew mates said they had been pickpocketed, or spend all your time at casino Atlantis because, even on vacation, you can't experience culture correctly then please visit this chain of sad little islands. I just returned from a Royal Caribbean cruise there last week and encountered a criminal incident as well. The Caribbean is exceptionally poor and poverty breeds crime. They lost 5,000 jobs when 1 resort in Lucaya shut down after hurricanes in 2016. So if you get knock down today or tomorrow you going to sy that you will never step a foot on the road again? According to the above TN law, the "intent to go armed" with a weapon, including a knife, in a school properly is a punishable offense. Within a couple blocks walking distance a woman began driving at us very quickly; she was intent on speaking to us. We believed her, they looked bad and they looked hungry. I will think twice. You just need to use common sense drinking, be aware of surroundings. That equates to 1 murder for every 25,000 poeple. The US is a great example for helping reverse Britain's knife laws. There was a nightclub in that area and is probably the source of a lot of crime at nighttime from what I could tell. Keep your money in your front pockets of in your shoes. I jus got back from freeport a little over a week ago. There are some tragic stories above, the sexual assault experience isn't one a person can shrug off as a bad experience. If anyone tries to rob you, hand over whatever it is they are asking for. I even got drunk in one of the ghettos surrounded by thugs. Daniel Moore Joined Jul 28, 2003 Messages 2,790 Aug 28, 2004 #3 As an African American I have been fortunate enough to travel to MOST of the Caribbean countries and have never had any real issues (St. Martins-the French side-is basically a ghetto with a nice beach NEVER GO THERE and in Antigua the people at the airport are extremely aggressive taking your bags and loading them in taxis without asking and then putting the damn hand out looking for a tip! If, however, you find yourself the victim of a violent crime, report it to the nearest police station. You should prioritize booking organized tours that are run by reputable companies, which will help your family stay safe while exploring The Bahamas. I told them what was up, just in case. Maybe that gave me the edge I needed to stay coherent enough from that damn drug they gave me!!! Dont judge an entire people as well as islands based on these 15 or so reviews. Thursday, 01 January 1953. Been going to Nassau for over 20 years. I'm white British but born on Nassau in the early sixties and left in 1970. Ps I agree with the comment above Buffalo. We ended up eating lunch at a place called the Pepper Pot Grill. 1,433 See what you can find out about their knife laws. I have a home on one of the family islands (previously referred to as out islands but the gov't. Took a taxicab ride tour of the city with a guy who wound up being very suspicious. As we kept walking to the entrance two thugs grab my wife and daughter and put knives to their stomachs demanding their phones and backpacks. Do not leave your glass unattended and make sure you watch closely when your drink is being opened or poured out for you. My wife told me she NEVER wanted to go the Nassau because of the rampant crime and how the local police look away (I was also told some cops are actually working with the criminals). This article states that 128 people were killed here in 2015. The locals told us they were Haitians, illegals, and these brazen muggings happen all the time in the tourist area by them. In a nutshell, what they mean is that switchblades are not allowed. Free shipping for many products! I plan to walk to Junkanoo Beach and I will have it with me along with a few other things. Limit public displays of affection, regardless of your sexual orientation. , while diving in the Bahamas. Neither assailant spoke to either of us. Plus, once you leave the main tourist area, it begins to deteriorate dramatically. A knife with legal length can still be deemed an offensive weapon if it can perceived as such by someone else. I WILL NEVER GO TO NASSAU AGAIN. Are there any safe neighborhoods?? Various governments have changed their travel warnings to restrict travel during this time. I felt a tug on my phone from behind and I instinctively yanked my phone back. Pack insect repellant and apply at dawn and dusk liberally to avoid mosquitoes at their most active time. I love the idea that they are building a row of expensive new homes on the island. Nasseau downtown Doing the math, Nassau & the rest of the island's murder rate is 12.5 fold over NYC's making NYC a relatively safe city. In the Bahamas right now. I felt very safe. Total thugs and their loot from us will embolden them to continue. murder stats This was in 2008 but I stayed there for a week with my Mother, Father and older brother. the crime statistics and cruise-ship-complex with its expected locals pushing their products, the cat calling etc is all too much for a middle aged to older cruiser who really just wants to do what they want to do and the world just has to understand that. The islands are world-renowned for their beaches, seafood, eco-friendliness and adventure activities. The convicted can sit in jail for a while and pay large fines. Well I read all the post. Afterward, we went right back to the boat. I would strongly suggest, you leave it at home. Ever. Go to the Bahamas, experience the people, the food, and enjoy yourself. Additionally, it is illegal to possess any type of switchblade knife regardless of blade length in the state of Florida. Nassau is located on one Island in the Bahamas, please go get a map! Any of the above-mentioned weapons or any other dangerous weapons meant to harm anyone is strictly prohibited in places like courthouses or school grounds. It was great! I have lived in Japan, HK, Taiwan since as a foreign correspondent. For example, walking into a crowded market or street where its easy to become separated, saying the code word will help children be alert and stick close to older family members, Keep constant watch of your family members, especially children, at marine parks or the beach. And that's to the right of the cruise terminal. I was in Paradise Island the first week of August. If crime is so rampant there this would've been the place we'd gotten whatever. Snatch-and-grab crimes involving travelers bags, jewelry, smartphones or cash are some of the most popular petty crimes that happen to visitors in The Bahamas. I always pack a Swiss Army knife in my checked, luggage and carry it while visiting (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? sad but true. Check the height of balconies and move anything that could fall or looks potentially dangerous. Very friendly and helping at the end of the day its crime in every country , island , state , city I dont care where you are.
